With regard to the amendments to the Port State Control Directive
95/21/EC, the most significant changes concern article 7a (1) and (2), which state that Gas, Chemical and Single-Hull Oil tankers (but not double-bottomed, double-sided and double-hulled oil tankers) will be refused access to all Community ports if they :

- have been detained twice during the preceding 24 months in EU ports or

- have flown a “Black-listed” flag over the preceding 36 months or

- are not fitted with a Voyage Data Recorder (VDR)

As it appears at the moment, there is a clear distinction between the double bottomed/double sided/double hulled oil tankers and the chemical tankers. The latter are subject to the above restrictions irrespective of the structural configuration. Members may also note that according to the 1999 Annual Report of Paris MoU, the following flags have been included in the “Black–List” of the Paris MoU:

The refusal of access shall become applicable immediately after the ship has been authorized to leave the port where it has been the subject of a third detention. The European Parliament amendments also present guidelines on how owners or operators may request a lifting of the access refusal.

Please note that the European Parliament amendments are not final. The current political situation concerning the first set of Erika proposals is complicated. Formally speaking, we are only mid-way in the decision-making process with the first of two stages just to be completed at the upcoming meeting of the EU transport ministers on 22 December. The Parliament’s proposals contain several elements which are unacceptable not only to shipowners but for the Commission and Member States (the Council) as well. INTERTANKO is, together with other associations, looking into how to best react to this situation. A more detailed explanation of the decision-making process can be found on our web site at http://www.intertanko.com/members/weeklynews/artikkel.asp?id=2067&utg_id=216

Members and associate members who wish to receive more information on this particular issue or the full text of the European Parliament amendments to the PSC directive may contact Mr. Theodore Plessas mailto:theodore.plessas@intertanko.com